Apparatus for repairing a pipeline and method for using same

ABSTRACT

A pipe repair apparatus includes an outer carrier tube, an inner bladder tube within the carrier tube, and a repair sleeve within the bladder tube. The bladder tube and the carrier tube are formed by one unitary tube which is folded back upon itself. A wick extends from the repair sleeve to the rear end of the bladder tube and permits evacuation of gases from the bladder tube when the bladder tube is flattened by a vacuum during insertion of a curable resin into the bladder tube at its forward end. The bladder tube can be inverted out of the carrier tube so as to place the repair sleeve in contact with an area to be repaired within a sewer pipe. This method may also be used to repair the damaged joint between a lateral sewer line and a main sewer line.

[0001] This is a continuation in part of co-pending application Ser. No.08/293,697 filed Aug. 19, 1994.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to apparatus for repairing a pipeline andmethod for using same.

[0003] One method of repairing damaged sewer pipe is to excavate thearea surrounding the sewer pipe and replace the broken portion. This isa very expensive and labor intensive solution and is also aninconvenience to residents living in the area and utilizing roadwaysoverlying the area.

[0004] Another solution is in situ relining of sewer pipes. In situmethods typically utilize a resin coated liner which is inserted intothe existing sewer pipeline and unrolled against the sewer pipe. Theunrolled liner is held against the existing sewer pipe while the resincures to form a new pipe lining within the existing pipe.

[0005] One example of such a method is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,012dated Dec. 28, 1982. In this patent is shown a process utilizing anelongated outer tube having an inner tube comprised of felt. Uncuredresin is introduced into the tube and is used to impregnate the feltinner tube. The two concentric tubes are then inverted into the end ofthe sewer pipe to be repaired and the inversion process continues untilthe area of the sewer pipe needing repair has been reached by theinverting tubes. Upon inversion the impregnated felt liner is placed onthe outside of the original outer liner, and is pressed against theinterior surface of the sewer pipe. When the resin cures a new pipeliner is provided at the area to be repaired.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,012 shows a method for impregnating the innerfelt tube with uncured resin. The impregnation is initiated by pouringthe uncured resin in one end of the two concentric tubes. A slit is madein the outer tube approximately 12 inches from the other end of theouter tube. A vacuum cup is placed over the slit and a vacuum is drawnfrom the outer tube, thereby causing flattening of the outer tube andassisting the resin to spread through the fabric liner and impregnate itfrom one end to the other. Once the resin has impregnated the entirefelt liner the vacuum is shut off and a patch is solvent welded over theslit.

[0007] There are several disadvantages to this impregnation process. Theslit makes the outer tube or bladder weaker. Furthermore the cutting ofa slit and the patching of a slit are time consuming. If the removal ofthe vacuum source from the vacuum cup is not timed properly, the vacuumcup will suck up some of the resin, thereby rendering the vacuumequipment inoperable.

[0008] Another disadvantage of the method of repairing a sewer pipeshown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,012 is that the outer bladder and the innerfelt tube must be inverted into the sewer pipe beginning at a manholelocated nearest to the area to be repaired. The inverted tubes must thenextend to the area to be repaired, thereby requiring a length of tubewhich will reach from the nearest manhole to the area to be repaired.

[0009] For example, if a 300 foot long liner is required, the method ofU.S. Pat. No. 4,366,012 requires pouring resin at one end of the tube,moving down the tube for approximately 50 feet, making a slit in thecoating of the fabric liner, placing a suction cup over the slit,drawing the resin to that point, removing the vacuum, and placing apatch over the slit. Then it will be necessary to move another 50 feetdown the tube and repeat the process. This process will continue atapproximately 50 foot intervals until the desired location on the tubeis reached.

[0010] The foregoing 50 foot intervals are necessary because it is onlypossible to draw a vacuum so far down the tube and still be effective.

[0011] Another disadvantage of the method shown in U.S. Pat. No.4,366,012 is that the fabric liner is coated. In some applications, itwould be desirable to utilize a liner that is not coated and instead usea liner that is separate from the bladder.

[0012] Most of the sewer mainlines are usually located in roadways andare buried at a considerable depth. These mainlines have lateral pipesthat branch off to houses, businesses and industries. Lateral lines areconduits for carrying waste from these houses, businesses and industriesout to the mainline sewer.

[0013] Mainline sewers are typically straight with access manholes atspaced apart positions along the length of the main sewer line. Mainlinesewers are usually owned by municipalities or utility companies whoutilize the services of civil or professional engineers for the designof sewer installations, inspections, and final work acceptances.

[0014] Lateral sewers on the other hand are typically installed by localplumbers or home owners. It is common to find numerous bends or fittingsin a lateral sewer as well as inappropriate materials used in theoriginal construction. These lateral installations offer a greaterchallenge in repair than do the reconstruction of the straight andprofessionally designed mainline sewers.

[0015] Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is theprovision of an improved apparatus for repairing a pipeline and methodfor using same.

[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus for the insertion and installation of a new liner into anexisting pipe which is particularly suitable for the spot repair ofdamaged sections of a given pipeline, wherein the liner is introducedinto the existing pipe by means of a carrier which encloses the linerand protects it from contact with the surrounding pipe walls until theliner is in its desired location within the existing pipe.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide amethod for relining pipes in which the pipe liner is secured to aninflation bladder, impregnated with resin and encapsulated within apositioning element, the positioning element then being inserted into anexisting pipe and fluid being introduced under pressure into thepositioning element to cause the inflation bladder and the liner securedthereto to invert outwardly from within the positioning element to aplacement position near the compromised pipe section, the inflationbladder expanding radially in response to fluid pressure and urging theliner into contact against the pipe wall, and subsequently removing theinflation bladder and positioning the element from the pipe.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is the provision of animproved method for impregnating a resin absorbent material with anuncured resin while the resin absorbent material is within an inflatablebladder tube.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is the provision of animproved method for repairing lateral sewer pipe and particularly forrepairing the juncture between the lateral sewer pipe and the mainlinesewer pipe.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is the provision of animproved carrier which is integral with the bladder tube, and whichpermits the positioning of the bladder tube within the sewer pipeline inthe general area of the pipeline to be needing repair.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is the provision of amethod for repairing sewer pipeline wherein the outer carrier isdisposable after use.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is the provision of animproved method and apparatus for repairing pipeline which is economicalin manufacture, durable in use, and efficient in operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The foregoing objects may be achieved by an elongated bladdertube having a fill end for receiving a quantity of fluid resin, a vacuumend for connection to a vacuum source, and flexible tube walls forming atube cavity therein. A layer of resin absorbent material is within thetube cavity and includes first and second material ends. The firstmaterial end is spaced a predetermined distance from the vacuum end ofthe bladder tube. An elongated wick includes an interior wick endpositioned between the first and second material ends of the resinabsorbent material. The wick extends from its interior wick end towardthe vacuum end of the bladder tube and terminates in a vacuum wick endwith at least a portion of the wick being located between the vacuum endof the bladder tube and the second material end of the resin absorbentmaterial.

[0024] One modified form of the above apparatus involves the use of anelongated carrier which is separate from the bladder tube and whichcontains the bladder tube and the tube of resin impregnated material soas to protect them during insertion into a sewer pipeline. When thecarrier is located adjacent the area in the pipeline to be repaired, thebladder tube is inverted out of the carrier tube and this places theresin impregnated material in contact with the sewer pipe walls needingrepair.

[0025] Another modified form of the present invention utilizes a carrierwhich is integral with the bladder tube, and which is folded back on thebladder tube so as to create an outer carrier tube in protectiverelation over the bladder tube.

[0026] The present invention also involves a new method for impregnatinga curable resin in a layer of resin absorbent material located within anelongated flexible bladder tube having a fill end and a vacuum endpositioned down stream from the fill end. The bladder tube includes tubewalls forming a tube cavity therein. The layer of resin absorbentmaterial has a down stream end positioned a predetermined distance fromthe vacuum end of the bladder tube and an upstream end. An elongated gasconduit having first and second conduit ends is placed within the tubecavity with the first conduit end positioned upstream from the downstream end of the resin absorbent material and with the second conduitend positioned downstream from the downstream end of the resin absorbentmaterial.

[0027] The new method involves introducing a quantity of curable resininto the fill end of the bladder tube, the quantity of resin beingsufficient to impregnant all of the resin absorbent material within thebladder tube. A vacuum source is then connected to the bladder tube at apoint spaced downstream from the downstream end of the resin absorbentmaterial whereby the wall of the bladder tube will collapse on the layerof resin absorbent material and the gas conduit will provide a path forevacuating gas through the collapsed tube walls. Gas is continuouslyevacuated from the bladder tube until the curable resin moves to thedownstream end of the absorbent material and completely impregnates theabsorbent material.

[0028] While the gas conduit may take a variety of forms withoutdetracting form the invention, the preferred form is an elongated airpermeable wick. However, other forms such as tubes, hoses, or othertypes of conduits may be used for evacuating the air and gas through thecollapsed tube walls.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention is the provision of amethod for repairing the junction between a lateral sewer pipe and amainline sewer pipe. The method involves taking a preliner tube(preferably a thermoplastic tube) having first and second ends and beingsized to fit within the lateral sewer pipe. The preliner tube includesan open cell gasket extending around the interior surface adjacent oneend thereof. The open cell gasket is impregnated with an uncured grout.While different types of grout may be used without detracting from theinvention, an example of a preferred grout is a chemical hydrophillicgrout manufactured by Thane-Coat Company in Houston, Tex. under theproduct name TC-2400. The preliner tube is then inverted into thelateral sewer pipe to a position wherein the open cell gasketimpregnated with grout is now on the exterior of the preliner andpositioned at the juncture between the lateral sewer pipe and the mainline sewer pipe. The gasket impregnated with grout forms a water tightseal between the preliner tube and the main sewer pipe and the lateralsewer pipe.

[0030] Next a flexible sleeve is inserted inside the preliner tube, thesleeve being impregnated with uncured resin. The sleeve may be made ofany material capable of absorbing the uncured resin, but a fabric sleeveis preferred. Fluid pressure is applied inside the sleeve to force thesleeve radially outwardly against the preliner until the uncured resincures and hardens.

[0031] The preferred method for placing the preliner tube in the lateralsewer pipe is by the inversion method described above. Similarly thepreferred method for inserting the flexible sleeve into the prelinertube is by the inversion method described above.

[0032] Another method for repairing a lateral sewer pipe which joins amain sewer pipe at a pipe junction involves taking a preliner assemblycomprising a preliner bladder tube and a preliner sleeve within thepreliner bladder tube. The preliner sleeve is impregnated with anuncured first material capable of curing and expanding. While differentmaterials may be used, a preferred material is the chemical hydrophillicgrout referred to above. Next the preliner assembly is inverted into thelateral sewer pipe whereby the preliner sleeve will be outside andsurrounding the preliner bladder tube. A second liner assembly is formedcomprising a second bladder tube and a second sleeve within the secondbladder tube. The second sleeve is impregnated with an uncured secondmaterial capable of curing and hardening. This second material may varywithout detracting from the invention, but it is preferred that acurable resin be used. The second liner assembly is then inverted intothe preliner tube whereby the second sleeve will be outside the secondbladder tube and the preliner bladder tube will be between the prelinersleeve and the second sleeve. The second preliner tube is expandedradially outwardly so as to hold the second sleeve, the preliner tube,and the preliner sleeve against the lateral sewer pipe. The secondsleeve is permitted to cure and harden and then the second bladder tubeis removed. The preliner bladder tube forms a moisture impervious layerbetween the preliner sleeve and the second sleeve. The grout within thepreliner sleeve is forced radially outwardly into any open joints,fractures or holes in the host lateral pipe. The grout is activated bywater and expands and reinforces the waterproof properties of thissystem. Once the procedure is complete the liners protruding within themain line are cut off by using a robotic cutter.

[0033] Another method for repairing a lateral sewer pipe which joins amain sewer pipe at a pipe junction involves forming a main/lateral linerassembly having an elongated main liner tube and an elongated lateralliner tube. The main liner tube has first and second main liner tubeends and the lateral line tube has a first lateral liner tube endconnected to the main liner tube and has a second lateral liner tubeend. The main/lateral liner tube assembly is formed from a felt materialhaving a urethane coat or similar material on its outer surface.

[0034] The main liner tube is then impregnated and the lateral linertube is also impregnated with an uncured material capable of curing andhardening. The main/lateral liner assembly is then moved through themain sewer pipe to an operative position with the main liner tubeadjacent the pipe junction and with the lateral liner tube extendingwithin the lateral sewer pipe. Next, a lateral bladder tube is insertedinto the lateral liner tube and is spread radially outwardly to pressthe lateral liner tube against the lateral sewer pipe until the uncuredmaterial cures and hardens. Then, a main bladder tube is inserted intothe main liner tube and is spread radially outwardly to press the mainliner tube against the main liner sewer pipe until the uncured materialcures and hardens. The lateral and main bladder tubes are then removedleaving the repaired pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrier tube having a bladdertube and a repair sleeve mounted therein.

[0036]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bladder tube having the repairsleeve therein.

[0037]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bladder tube of FIG. 2 showingthe method for inserting the resin into the bladder tube.

[0038]FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

[0039]FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

[0040]FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

[0041]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modified form of the presentinvention.

[0042]FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the method ofapplying the resin to the interior of the bladder tube.

[0043]FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

[0044]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a sewer line to be repairedand showing the carrier tube inserted therein.

[0045]FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the sewer pipe showing the mannerin which the carrier tube is inserted.

[0046]FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11, and showing the bladder tubepartially inverted,

[0047]FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 12, and showing thebladder tube further inverted.

[0048]FIG. 14 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 13 and showing thewithdrawing of the bladder tube from the cured repair sleeve.

[0049]FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 and showing the final removalof the bladder tube and the carrier tube with the repair sleeve inplace.

[0050]FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a lateral pipeline and a main sewerpipeline, and showing a method for repairing the juncture between thetwo.

[0051]FIG. 17 is a section view showing the manner in which the prelineris mounted into a bladder tube and a carrier tube.

[0052]FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a lateral and main sewer pipejunction showing an alternative method for repair.

[0053]FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a T-liner assembly which is used inyet another alternative method for repairing a main lateral sewer pipejunction.

[0054]FIG. 20 is a sectional view of a main lateral sewer pipe junction,showing one step in the method for using the T-liner assembly of FIG.19.

[0055]FIG. 21 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 20 and showing anotherstep in the method for using the T-liner assembly of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0056] Referring to the drawings the numeral 10 generally designates arepair apparatus of the present invention. Apparatus 10 includes acarrier assembly 12, a bladder assembly 14, and a repair sleeve 16within the bladder assembly 14. Carrier assembly 12 is comprised of acarrier tube 17 having a rear end 18 and a forward end 19. An end cap 20is secured to the rear end 18 of carrier tube 17 by means of clamps 22.Extending through the end cap 20 are a bladder control line 24, a fluidinjection line 26 and an air escape valve 28 (FIG. 6).

[0057] At the forward end of carrier tube 17 is a rigid collar 30 (FIG.5). A pair of end flaps 32, 34 have their rear ends engaging the collar30 and clamped to the collar 30 by means of clamp 36. Clamp 36 alsoholds the forward end 19 of carrier tube 17 against the collar 30.Within the carrier tube is a carrier cavity 38. The attachment of theforward end 19 of the carrier tube 17 to the collar 30 is furtherfacilitated by threads or serrations 40 on the outer surface of collar30.

[0058] The forward ends of end flaps 32, 34 include grommets 42. A pullline 44 is threaded through grommets 42 (FIG. 1) and includes a knot 46which permits the line 44 to pull the carrier 12 to the left as viewedin FIG. 1. However, when the pull line 44 is pulled to the right, itslips free from the grommets 42.

[0059] Bladder assembly 14 is shown in FIG. 2 and includes bladder tube48 having a rear end 50 and a forward end 52. Fitted within the rear end50 is a threaded receptacle 54 (FIG. 6) which is held in place inattachment to the rear end 50 by means of clamps 56. A pulling loop 57is also held by clamps 56 and is attached to bladder control line 24 asshown in FIG. 6.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, within the bladder tube 48 is repair sleeve16 formed of felt or other resin absorbent material. The sleeve 16 isattached at its forward end to an inversion collar 62 by means ofstitches 60. The forward end of inversion collar 62 is fixedly attachedto the forward end 52 of bladder tube 48 by heat sealing, adhesive, orother suitable securing means. The stitches 60 are easily broken away soas to permit the forward end of the repair sleeve 58 to be separatedfrom the rear end of inversion collar 62 by tension forces. A cuff 51 isfolded back at forward end 52 of bladder tube 58 and is secured tocollar 30 by means of a hose clamp 53.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, a vacuum coupler 64 includes a threaded endadapted to thread within the threaded receptacle 54 so as to connect avacuum hose 66 and a vacuum source 68 to the bladder tube 48. A wick 70includes a forward end 72 located forwardly of the rear end 76 of repairsleeve 58. The wick 70 extends rearwardly therefrom to a rear end 74located adjacent the threads of threaded receptacle 54.

[0062] The method of impregnating the repair sleeve 58 with resininvolves pouring the resin into the forward end 52 of bladder tube 48 asillustrated in FIG. 3. A quantity of resin sufficient to impregnate theentire repair sleeve 58 is poured into the bladder tube. A vacuum isapplied to the vacuum tube 26 so as to cause the bladder tube 48 tocollapse in a flattened state.

[0063] The wick 70 provides an important function in this regard sinceit permits the gas within the bladder tube 48 to be withdrawn eventhough the bladder tube 48 is collapsed. The felt or other resinabsorbent material of repair sleeve 58 permits gas to be withdrawn, butthis sleeve does not permit gas to be withdrawn in the area between therear end 76 of sleeve 58 and the rear end 50 of the bladder tube 48. Thewick 70 however, permits the gases to be withdrawn through thisparticular area. As a result the flattening of the bladder tube 48causes the resin to be pressed rearwardly from the forward end until ithas completely impregnated the felt or other resin absorbent material ofrepair sleeve 58. Rollers (not shown) may also be applied to theflattened bladder tube 48 to facilitate the spread of resin to allportions of repair sleeve 58. The bladder tube 48 is preferably formedof a transparent or translucent material which permits visualobservation of the progress of the resin as it is spread through therepair sleeve 58. By visual inspection it is possible to determine whenthe resin has spread completely to the rear end 76 of the repair sleeve58. The vacuum coupler 64 is then withdrawn from the threaded receptacle54 and a closure cap 38 is threaded in its place. During the removal ofthe vacuum coupler 64, the wick 70 is grasped and pulled out of thebladder tube 48. The wick 70 will have resin impregnated on its innerend, and can be placed inside the manhole where the repair is takingplace as a gauge for determining how long it takes for the resin tocure.

[0064] After impregnating the repair sleeve 58, the bladder assembly 14having the repair sleeve 16 therein is placed inside the carrier tube 17as shown in FIG. 1.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 10, the repair apparatus 10 is then pulledthrough a sewer line 134 having a area 136 requiring repair. Atelevision camera (not shown) may be placed within the sewer line 134 toshow the proper location for the carrier 10 relative to the area 136needing to be repaired.

[0066] When the carrier tube 17 reaches the position shown in FIG. 11,air pressure, water pressure or other fluid pressure is applied to thecarrier cavity 38. This causes the bladder tube 48 to begin to invertout of the carrier tube 17 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 12. Theinversion of the bladder tube 48 continues until it reaches the positionshown in FIG. 13. In this position the repair sleeve 58 is on theoutside of the bladder tube 48 and is in engagement with the area 136 ofpipe 134 which requires repair. The fluid pressure is continued to beapplied to the inverted bladder tube 48, thereby pressing the bladdertube 48 radially outwardly so as to hold the repair sleeve 58 tightlyagainst the area 136.

[0067] The resin is permitted to cure and harden. Then the air pressureis released from the carrier tube 17 as shown in FIG. 14 and the bladdercontrol line 24 is pulled to cause the bladder 48 to move to the rightand resume its original uninverted configuration within the carrier tube17. During the withdrawal of the bladder tube 48, the stitches 60 breakaway as to permit separation of inversion collar 62 from repair sleeve58, thereby leaving the hardened repair sleeve 58 in place as shown inFIG. 15.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 7 a modified form of the present invention isshown and is designated by the numeral 80. Apparatus 80 includes anouter carrier tube 82 having a rear end 84 which surrounds an end cap 86and is clamped thereto by means of clamps 88. Extending through end cap86 are a bladder control line 90, a fluid injection line 92, and an airescape valve 94. The outer carrier tube 82 includes a forward end 96 towhich is attached by heat sealing or welding a pair of end flaps 98,100. Flaps 98, 100 are held in place by a spot weld 102 (FIG. 9). A pullcable 104 extends through the grommets 106 in the end flaps 98, 100 andincludes a loop 108 on its end.

[0069] A release cable 109 has a spring pin 111 on its end. Spring pin111 is detachably retentively retained in loop 108 so as to attach cable104 to flaps 98, 100. Pulling cable 104 is used to pull the apparatus 80through the sewer line to the desired location. Then release cable 109is pulled and spring pin 111 releases from loop 108, thereby permittingcable 104 to slip through grommets 106 and release its attachment fromflaps 98, 100.

[0070] Integrally formed with the outer carrier tube 82 is an innerbladder tube 110 which has a forward end 112 and a rear end 114 adaptedto receive a threaded receptacle 116, clamps 118, and a pulling loop120. A vacuum line 121 is adapted to connected to the receptacle 116 inthe same fashion shown and described for the modification in FIG. 2.

[0071] The juncture between the outer carrier tube 82 and the innerbladder tube 110 comprises a fold 122 where the carrier tube 82 has beenfolded back over the bladder tube 110. Initially the bladder tube 110and the carrier tube 82 are one continuous tube, and the carrier tube 82is formed by folding it back over the bladder tube 110.

[0072] An inversion collar 128 is spot welded or otherwise attached tothe forward end 112 of bladder tube 110 and extends rearwardlytherefrom. At its rear end it is attached to a repair sleeve 124 bymeans of threads 126. The repair sleeve is formed of felt or othermaterial which is capable of absorbing an uncured resin. Fiber glass,seamless polyester knit tube, or other materials could be used otherthan felt or in combination with felt.

[0073] Several advantages are obtained by the use of the modifiedapparatus 80 shown in FIGS. 7-9 over the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS.1-6. For example, the apparatus 10 utilizes a rigid collar or clamp 36at the forward end of the carrier tube 12 in order to connect thebladder assembly 14. This rigid collar can in some situations get caughton offset sewer pipe joints during installation or in places where thepipe is partially collapsed, and in those situations the carriersometimes becomes caught or is unable to pass through the pipe. Therigid collar 36 also adds considerable weight to the repair apparatuswhereas the apparatus 80 shown in FIGS. 7-9 is light in weight, weighingabout one fourth of what the apparatus 10 weighs.

[0074] Another advantage of the apparatus 80 is that it eliminates thestep of pulling the bladder assembly 14 into the carrier 12.

[0075] The rigid collar 36 used in device 10 must be smaller in diameterthan the host sewer pipe. This smaller opening makes it harder for theliner to pass through and requires more pressure than the apparatus 80which is collapsible and which has a front opening of a size which canbe the same as the host pipe. This makes it easier for the apparatus 80to pass through during inversion and requires less pressure.

[0076] The apparatus 10 requires different length and diameter carriersfor the various liners installed. This means that the installer mustkeep an inventory of carriers that are expensive. The installer mustalso transport more equipment to the job site. The carrier 82 ofapparatus 80 is disposable and is designed especially for the linerlength and diameter matched to the pipe that is being repaired.

[0077]FIG. 8 shows the manner in which the device is filled with resin.The resin is poured into the forward end of bladder tube 110 whilebladder tube 110 is located within the outer carrier tube 82. Carriertube 82 and bladder tube 110 are integral with one another and arepreferably formed of a transparent or translucent material which willpermit observation of the resin as it is poured into the bladder tube110. The rear end 84 of the carrier tube 82 is folded forwardly as shownin FIG. 8 so as to expose the rear end of the bladder tube 110 andpermit the attachment and detachment of vacuum tube 121. As the vacuumis applied, a roller (not shown) may be used to roll the bladder tube110 and the carrier tube 82 flat and press the resin rearwardly towardthe rearward end of the bladder tube 110. When the fabric liner orrepair sleeve 124 of bladder tube 110 is fully impregnated, the vacuumtube 121 is removed and a plug similar to the plug 78 is inserted afterremoval of the wick 70. The carrier tube 82 is then unfolded at its rearend and it is attached to the end cap 86 in the manner shown in FIG. 7.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 16-18, a lateral pipeline 138 is shown in aT-joint junction with a main pipe line 140. The juncture between the twois indicated by the numeral 142. Commonly the junctures between thelateral pipelines and the main pipelines become damaged or destroyed,and result in ground water infiltrating into the sewer system at thejuncture 142.

[0079] To repair the lateral pipeline 138, an excavation 137 is madeadjacent the lateral pipeline 138 and a small section of lateralpipeline 138 is removed to provide access to the interior of lateralpipeline 138. A tube shaped preliner 148 is formed of a moistureimpervious material such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride,polyethylene or other similar material. An open cell gasket 150 is fusedto the outside of preliner 148 adjacent one end thereof. Gasket 150 isthen impregnated with a hydrophillic chemical grout.

[0080] Preliner 148 is then inserted into lateral pipe 138 from theexcavation 137 by inverting the preliner 148 with air pressure via alaunching device such as device 80 shown in FIGS. 7-9. During theinversion process preliner 148 is turned inside out and is positionedalong the length of lateral pipe 138 from the excavation 137 to themainline pipe 140. The gasket 150 is positioned so that it is in contactwith the juncture 142 and the area to be repaired.

[0081] After the preliner 148 and the open cell gasket 150 are in place,a lateral pipe repair sleeve 156 similar to the repair sleeve 124 ofFIG. 9 is inverted into the interior of the preliner 148. This isaccomplished by placing a carrier such as carrier 80 (FIG. 9) into theopen end of the preliner 148 located within the excavation 137. Thecarrier 80 is placed in the open end of the preliner 148 and the repairsleeve 156 is inverted into the preliner 148 to the position shown inFIG. 16. Preferably the preliner 148 and the gasket 150 protrudeslightly into the hole 146 in the main line 140 so as to permit thehydrophilic grout in the open cell gasket 150 to cure at the damagedjuncture 142 and provide a fluid tight seal in the damaged area. Theground water causes activation of the hydrophillic grout and the groutexpands and cures to provide this seal. This fluid tight seal provides asealing between the exterior of the preliner 148 and the interior of theexisting pipelines 138, 140 at the juncture 142.

[0082] After insertion of the preliner 148, a lateral pipeline repairsleeve 156 is inverted into the interior of the preliner 148 in themanner shown in FIG. 16. This inversion may be accomplished by themethods shown in FIGS. 1-15 above. The positioning of the repair sleeve156 is such that its lower end protrudes slightly into the hole 146 inthe main line 140 located at the juncture 142 between main pipeline 140and the lateral pipe line 138. During the inversion process air pressureor fluid pressure is used to cause the bladder tube to expand outwardlyagainst the lateral pipe repair sleeve 156 and the preliner 148 so as tocause them to cure and harden in the position shown in FIG. 16. Duringthis process the grout 150 also cures and expands forming a tight sealat the damaged juncture 142.

[0083] The foregoing method for and apparatus for repairing lateralpipeline permits numerous lateral pipelines to be reconstructed in oneday. The interior pipeliner 156 is a cured in place liner that isinverted through the lateral pipe and will negotiate fittings and bendsvery easily. It will create a watertight seal at the main line andlateral line connection or juncture, and this particular process iscompatible with the other mainline reconstruction methods described withrespect to FIGS. 1-15. The method requires a very small excavation inthe yard or easement of the home or property from which the lateralpipeline extends. The liner is cured at ambient temperatures and doesnot require an expensive heating source. The liner is available with aseamless construction design.

[0084] After the liners have cured and hardened, the projecting portion158 is trimmed flush with the inside wall of main pipe line 140 by usinga conventional robotic cutter.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 18 a modified method for repairing the lateralpipe 138 is shown. The preliner 148 shown in FIG. 16 is a thermalplastic tube. In the method shown in FIG. 18 a fabric preliner 170 isused. The fabric preliner is place within a preliner bladder 172 and isinverted into the lateral pipe 138 in the manner shown in FIG. 18. Inthis position the fabric preliner 170 is in contact with the interiorsurface of the lateral pipe 138. Before the inversion process the fabricpreliner is impregnated with the uncured grout. After it is invertedinto the lateral pipe 138 from the excavation 137, the grout 178 expandsinto the cracks or loose areas of pipe 138 requiring repair. Thepreliner bladder 172 is made of a moisture impervious material and isleft in place after it has been inverted into the lateral pipe 138.

[0086] Next a fabric liner 174 is impregnated with a curable resinwithin a resin bladder 176. The resin bladder 176 is then inverted intothe interior of preliner bladder 172 from the excavation 137 so as toachieve the position shown in FIG. 18 with the resin liner 174 beingpositioned between the resin bladder 176 and the preliner bladder 172.Air is forced into the interior of the resin bladder 176 so as to urgethe fabric preliner 170, preliner bladder 172, and resin liner 174radially outwardly against the interior of lateral pipe 138. After thegrout in preliner 170 activates creating a gel like gasket, the resin inresin liner 174 cures becoming a rigid structural pipe liner. The resinbladder 176 is then removed by pulling on retrieval line 180 and isdiscarded. This leaves the thermal plastic moisture impervious prelinerbladder 172 between the fabric preliner 170 and the resin liner 174 andcreates a barrier between the grout and the resin. It also acts as awater proof jacket for the rigid cured pipe. The fabric preliner 170 haspushed the chemical grout into any open joints, fractures or holes inthe host lateral pipe 138. The water activated grout expands andreinforces the waterproof properties of this system. Once the procedureis complete the protruding liners are cut off in the main line pipe 140by using a robotic cutter commonly known in the art.

[0087] Another method for repairing both the main line and the lateralin one operation utilizes a T-liner assembly 182 shown in FIGS. 19-21.T-liner assembly 182 includes a main liner sleeve 184 and a lateralliner sleeve 186. These sleeves are formed from a material capable ofabsorbing uncured resin or grout. An example of such a material is felt,but other materials may be used. The exterior surface of the main linersleeve 184 and the lateral liner sleeve 186 are coated with urethane ora similar material which will permit them to be protected while beingpulled through sewer pipes to their desired position. The urethanecoating also provides a moisture impervious barrier. The T-linerassembly 182 is formed by cutting the urethane coated felt to a layflatsize required to make a tube approximately 30 inches in length andhaving a diameter slightly smaller than the interior diameter of themain line host pipe to be repaired. A circular hole is cut in the centerof the layflat felt for accommodating the lateral liner sleeve 186.

[0088] Then the lateral liner sleeve is formed from a four or a six inchtube made of urethane coated felt. The length is dependent upon thedistance from the main line to the excavation 137. On the end of thelateral liner tube 186 which is going to be connected to the mainlinertube 184, approximately one inch of urethane coating is removed from theexterior. The remaining one inch long section is cut into slits so as toform tabs 188 which are inserted into the hole in the main liner tube184 and are bent back to layflat against the felt. The felt of lateraltube 186 is then heat welded or otherwise adhered to the felt of themain liner tube 184 so as to secure the lateral liner tube 186 to themain liner tube 184 in the manner shown in FIG. 19.

[0089] Next a urethane collar 190 is slid down over the lateral linerand is fused to the coating on the lateral liner and the main liner byheat or chemical adhesive. This collar provides for an airtight sealbetween the two liners 184, 186. A gasket 192 made of absorbent materialsuch as an open cell foam or similar material shaped like a donut isthen slid down over the lateral liner until it reaches the junctionbetween the lateral liner tube 186 and the main liner tube 184. Thisgasket will be impregnated with a hydrophilic chemical grout just priorto installation. The grout gasket will provide for a seal between theliners and the main host pipe, thereby eliminating any ground water frominfiltrating into the main line sewer pipe 210. Lateral liner tube 186is provided with a grommet 194 and main liner tube 184 is provided witha grommet 200.

[0090] Attached to one end of the main liner tube 184 is a urethaneenvelope 196 having an end cap 205 capable of attachment to a vacuumline (not shown) similarly the other end of the main liner tube 184 isprovided with a urethane e envelope 198 which also includes an end cap207 capable of attachment to a vacuum tube. (not shown).

[0091] An inversion bladder similar to the inversion bladder shown inFIGS. 7-9 is attached to one end of main line tube 184 by tab strips 202and is completely enclosed within the urethane envelope 198. The bladderassembly includes a carrier tube 106 and a bladder tube 204 which areintegrally formed and which are folded back against one another. An endcap 208 is secured over the interior end of bladder liner 204. Unlikethe carrier tube assembly shown in FIGS. 7-9 however, the bladder tube204 does not include a repair collar mounted on its interior.

[0092] Before installation into a sewer pipe to be repaired, ahydrophilic chemical grout is impregnated into the grout ring 192, andan uncured resin is inserted into the upper end of lateral liner sleeve186. A vacuum is applied first to end tube 205 of urethane envelope 196.This draws the resin inwardly through lateral liner sleeve 186 andthrough the right-hand portion of the main liner sleeve 184 as viewed inFIG. 19. Next a vacuum is applied to the envelope 198, and resin isdrawn into the left-hand portion of main line liner sleeve 184. The endresult is that the interior felt surfaces of lateral liner 186 and mainline liner 184 are impregnated with the resinous material. When thisimpregnation is complete the urethane envelopes 196, 198 are snipped offwith scissors leaving the remaining assembly of the T-liner assembly 182and the carrier tube 206 and bladder tube 204.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 20, a lateral pull line 213 is attached to thegrommet 194 in liner sleeve 186, and a main pull line 211 is attached tothe grommet 200 in the lateral liner sleeve 186. Line 213 is threadedthrough the sewer line 210 and into the excavation 137. Line 211 isthreaded through a main sewer line 210 and through a lateral sewer line212 into an excavation 137. Line 211 is threaded through the main sewerpipe 210 to an adjacent manhole (not shown

[0094] Connected to the end of carrier tube 206 is an end cap 218 havingan air line 216 extending therethrough. Also extending through end cap218 is a retrieval line 215 which is attached to the end cap 208 ofbladder tube 204 as shown in FIG. 21.

[0095] The lines 211 and 213 are simultaneously pulled to bring theliner tube assembly 182 to the juncture 214 between the main line sewerpipe 210 and the lateral line sewer pipe 212. Continued pulling on thelines 211 and 213 causes the lateral liner sleeve 186 to be pulledupwardly into the lateral sewer pipe 212 in the position shown in FIG.21.

[0096] Next, air pressure is provided to the bladder tube 204 to causeit to invert into the main liner sleeve 184 as shown in FIG. 21. The airpressure holds the main liner tube 184 against the interior of thesurface of the main sewer line 210 so that the resin impregnated withinthe liner sleeve 184 can cure and harden into a cylindrical shape.

[0097] Next, another bladder tube assembly is inverted into the lateralliner sleeve 186 from the excavation 137. The bladder tube assemblyincludes a bladder tube 220 and a retrieval line 222 which extendsthrough an end cap 224. Continued air pressure provided to the bladdertube 220 forces it radially outwardly against the lateral liner sleeve186 until the resin impregnating the lateral liner tube 186 cures andhardens. It also forces the grout 192 into the cracks and crevices atthe juncture between lateral pipe 212 and main line pipe 210 therebyproviding a water tight seal to prevent infiltration of ground waterinto the lateral pipe 212 and the sewer line 210.

[0098] After the curing of the grout and the resin within the linerassembly 182, the retrieval lines 215, 216 are pulled to remove thebladder assemblies 204 and 220 from the liner sleeves 184, 186respectively. The result is a repaired juncture 214 between the lateralline 212 and the main line

[0099] In the drawings and specification there has been set forth apreferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms areemployed, these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor purposes of limitation. Changes in the form and the proportion ofparts as well as in the substitution of equivalents are contemplated ascircumstances may suggest or render expedient without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention as further defined in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. In combination: an elongated bladder tube havinga fill end for receiving a quantity of fluid resin, a vacuum end forconnection to a vacuum source, and flexible tube walls forming a tubecavity therein; a layer of resin absorbent material within said tubecavity and having a first material end spaced a predetermined distanceform said vacuum end of said bladder tube and a second material end; anelongated wick having an interior wick end positioned between said firstand second material ends of said resin absorbent material, said wickextending from said interior wick end toward said vacuum end of saidbladder tube and terminating in a vacuum wick end, at least a portion ofsaid wick being between said vacuum end of said bladder tube and saidsecond material end of said resin absorbent material.
 2. The combinationof claim 1 wherein said layer of resin absorbent material is in theshape of a sleeve.
 3. The combination of claim 1 wherein a coupler isconnected to said vacuum end of said bladder tube, said coupler beingadapted to be connected to a vacuum source, said coupler being spacedfrom said second material end whereby an application of a vacuum to saidcoupler will cause said bladder tube to collapse around said wickbetween said first material end of said resin absorbent material andsaid vacuum end of said bladder tube, said wick providing a passagewayfor the evacuation of gases from said tube cavity between said firstmaterial end of said resin absorbent material and said fill end of saidbladder tube.
 4. A method for impregnating a curable resin in a layer ofresin absorbent material located within an elongated flexible bladdertube having a fill end and a vacuum end positioned downstream from saidfill end, and having tube walls forming a tube cavity therein, saidlayer of resin absorbent material having a downstream end spaced apredetermined distance from said vacuum end of said bladder tube and anupstream end, said method comprising: introducing a quantity of curableresin into said fill end of said bladder tube, said quantity of saidresin being sufficient to impregnate all of said resin absorbentmaterial within said bladder tube; placing an elongated gas conduitmeans having first and second conduit ends within said tube cavity withsaid first conduit end positioned upstream from said downstream end ofsaid resin absorbent material and with said second conduit endpositioned downstream from said downstream end of said resin absorbentmaterial; connecting a vacuum source to said bladder tube at a pointspaced downstream from said downstream end of said resin absorbentmaterial whereby said wall of said bladder tube will collapse on saidlayer of resin absorbent material and said gas conduit means willprovide a path for evacuating gas through said collapsed tube walls;continuing to evacuate gas from said bladder tube until said curableresin moves to said downstream end of said absorbent material andcompletely impregnates said absorbent material.
 5. A method according toclaim 4 and further comprising connecting said vacuum source to acoupling located adjacent said vacuum end of said bladder tube.
 6. Amethod according to claim 4 and further comprising using an elongatedwick for said gas conduit means.
 7. Apparatus for repairing the interiorpipe surface of a pipe comprising: an elongated flexible tube memberhaving a first end and a second end, said tube member being reversedupon itself to create an outer carrying tube and an inner bladder tubecomprised of the same material and integral with one another, said outercarrying tube and said inner bladder tube each having a forward end anda rear end, said forward ends of said outer carrying tube and said innerbladder tube being integrally formed together; an elongated sleeve ofresin absorbent material fitted within said inner bladder tube; meansfor introducing fluid pressure into said carrier tube on the exterior ofsaid bladder tube for causing, said bladder tube to reverse itself andextend forwardly from said forward end of said carrying tube wherebysaid sleeve will be on the exterior surface of said reversed andextended bladder tube.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein anelongated flexible member includes a first end attached to said rear endof said inner bladder tube and includes a second end extending to theexterior of said outer carrying tube for grasping.
 9. Apparatusaccording to claim 7 wherein said elongated flexible tube is flexiblealong its entire length and is free from rigid reinforcing membersadjacent said forward ends of said carrying tube and said bladder tubeso as to permit flexible movement of said forward ends of said carryingtube and said bladder tube during insertion into said pipe.
 10. A methodfor preparing a repair assembly for repairing an interior pipe surfaceof a pipe comprising: placing an elongated sleeve of resin impregnablematerial within an elongated bladder tube; placing said bladder tubewith said sleeve therein into a carrying cavity within a carrying tube;inserting a quantity of curable resin into one end of said bladder tubewhile said bladder tube is within said carrying tube, said carrying tubeand said bladder tube being sufficiently transparent or translucent topermit viewing of said resin within said bladder tube; collapsing saidbladder tube to cause said resin to spread to and impregnate said sleeveof resin impregnable material; viewing the spread of said resin to saidsleeve of resin impregnable material; stopping the collapsing of saidbladder tube when said resin has spread to and impregnated said entiresleeve of resin impregnable material.
 11. A method for repairing thejunction between a lateral sewer pipe and a main sewer pipe, said methodcomprising: taking a preliner tube having first and second ends andbeing sized to fit within said lateral sewer pipe, said preliner tubehaving an open cell gasket extending around the exterior surface of saidsecond end thereof; impregnating said open cell gasket with an uncuredgrout; inserting said preliner tube into said lateral sewer pipe to aposition wherein said open cell gasket impregnated with said grout is atsaid juncture and forms a watertight seal between said preliner tube andsaid main sewer pipe and said lateral sewer pipe; inserting a flexiblesleeve inside said preliner tube, said sleeve being impregnated withuncured resin; using fluid pressure from inside said sleeve to forcesaid sleeve radially outwardly against said preliner until said uncuredresin cures and hardens.
 12. A method for repairing a lateral sewer pipewhich joins a main sewer pipe at a pipe junction, said methodcomprising: taking a preliner assembly comprising a preliner bladdertube and a preliner sleeve within said preliner bladder tube;impregnating said preliner sleeve with an uncured first material capableof curing and expanding as a flexible gasket; inverting said prelinerassembly into said lateral sewer pipe whereby said preliner sleeve willbe outside and surrounding said preliner bladder tube; taking a secondliner assembly comprising a second bladder tube and a second sleevewithin said second bladder tube; impregnating said second sleeve with anuncured second material capable of curing and hardening; inverting saidsecond liner assembly into said preliner bladder tube whereby saidsecond sleeve will be outside said second bladder tube and said prelinerbladder tube will be between said preliner sleeve and said secondsleeve; expanding said second bladder tube radially outwardly so as tohold said second sleeve, said preliner tube and said preliner sleeveagainst said lateral sewer pipe; permitting said first and secondmaterials to cure and harden; and removing said second bladder tube. 13.A method according to claim 11 and further comprising using a groutmaterial as said first material and using a resin material as saidsecond material.
 14. A method according to claim 11 and furthercomprising using a fabric material for said preliner sleeve and using amoisture impervious material for said preliner tube.
 15. A method forrepairing a lateral sewer pipe which joins a main sewer pipe at a pipejunction, said method comprising: forming a main/lateral liner assemblyhaving an elongated main liner tube and an elongated lateral liner tube,said main liner tube having first and second main liner tube ends, saidlateral liner tube having a first lateral liner tube end connected tosaid main liner tube and having a second lateral liner tube end;impregnating said main liner tube and said lateral liner tube with anuncured material capable of curing and hardening; moving saidmain/lateral liner assembly through said main sewer pipe to an operativeposition with said main liner tube adjacent said pipe junction and withsaid lateral liner tube extending within said lateral sewer pipe;inserting a lateral bladder tube into said lateral liner tube; spreadingsaid lateral bladder tube radially outwardly to press said lateral linertube against said lateral sewer pipe until said uncured material curesand hardens; inserting a main bladder tube into said main liner tube;spreading said main bladder tube radially outwardly to press aid mainliner tube against said main sewer pipe until said uncured materialcures and hardens.
 16. A method according to claim 15 wherein saidinserting of said lateral bladder tube into said lateral liner tube isaccomplished by inverting said lateral bladder tube into said lateralliner tube.
 17. A method according to claim 16 wherein said inserting ofsaid main bladder tube into said main lines tube is accomplished byinverting said main bladder tube into said main liner tube.
 18. A methodfor repairing a damaged portion of a sewer pipe extending between afirst manhole and a second manhole, said method comprising: stringing afirst line and a second line from said first manhole to said secondmanhole, said first line having first securing means on one end thereofand said second line having a second securing means on one end thereof,said first and second securing means being adjacent said first manhole;stringing said first line through at least one aperture adjacent one endof a carrying tube, said carrying tube having a fabric liner and abladder tube therein; detachably securing said first and second securingmeans together in such a manner that pulling on only said first linewill move said carrying tube and pulling on both of said first andsecond lines will separate said first and second securing meansattaching a third line to the other end of said carrying tube; pullingsaid one end of said first line through said sewer pipe from said firstmanhole toward said second manhole whereby said carrier tube is movedwithin said sewer pipe; stopping the pulling of said first line whensaid carrier tube is positioned adjacent said damaged portion of saidsewer pipe; pulling on both said first and second lines to causedetachment of said first and second securing means from one another andfrom said carrier tube; inverting said bladder tube and said fabriclines from said carrier tube whereby said fabric liner engages saiddamaged portion of said sewer pipe.